Everything you need to know ahead of the first televised Jacksonville mayoral debate
Voters will have a chance this week to hear from all seven candidates for Jacksonville mayor during the first televised debate of the campaign season.
The wide field of four Republicans, two Democrats and one No Party Affiliate have confirmed their attendance to the debate, making it the first time they have all been on stage together — all but Daniel Davis participated in an earlier, untelevised forum.
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Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the debate:
When is the debate?
Wednesday, March 8, from 8 to 9 p.m.
Where can I watch?
You can watch the debate live on WJXT TV-4 and stream it online on News4JAX.com or through the channel’s app News4JAX+.
Who are the candidates?
Omega Allen, LeAnna Cumber, Daniel Davis, Donna Deegan, Al Ferraro, Audrey Gibson and Frank Keasler
What might be discussed?
The questions for the candidates will not be released ahead of the debate, but previous forums asked about their views on crime, downtown development, JEA privatization and neighborhood infrastructure.
Who will host it?
Jacksonville University partnered with News4Jax, and channel anchor Kent Justice will moderate the debate. Justice has moderated previous JU events including a town hall on gun violence and a mayoral forum on Jacksonville’s consolidation.
When is the election?
The jungle primary — where you can choose from any of the candidates regardless of primary — is March 21. If no candidate earns at least 51% of the vote, the two top candidates will go to the general election May 16.
How can I vote in the primary?
On election day, you can vote in person at your voting precinct, which you can find using the Duval County Precinct Finder.
You can also request a mailed ballot by March 11 or vote early in person at any polling location until March 19.
What other elections are on the March ballot?
Along with the race for mayor, all but three City Council seats are up for election, as well as the constitutional office for property appraiser.
You can find your personal sample ballot online on the Duval County elections website.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JU, WJXT-TV 4 to host televised Jacksonville mayoral debate
